Morocco In-Depth: Imperial Cities, Essaouira Beach & Sahara

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Casablanca - Rabat

  Welcome to Morocco! Once landing in Casablanca, be greeted by your private driver and then take an hour's drive to your hotel in Rabat, the unsung capital of today's Morocco.

  • Rabat

• Day 2: Rabat - Tangier

  Begin your exploration with a morning walk around the Kasbah of the Udayas, a charming medieval fortress district constructed in the 12th century. Head to the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the incomplete mosque for photography. Opposite it lies the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Later, ramble around the grounds of the Royal Palace to admire excellent Moroccan architecture.

  After that, proceed to Tangier by a 3-hour drive. Once there, take in the stunning views of the deep blue sea at the Spartel Cape and marvel at the crude map of Africa at the Hercules Caves. Pass through the bustling marketplace of Grand Socco and end the day at the maze of the Medina, where you'll find the Kasbah Museum and Tomb of Ibn Battouta.

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  • Tangier

• Day 3: Tangier - Chefchaouen

  Depart for the photogenic blue city of Chefchaouen, about two hours away.

  Walking in its winding blue-washed streets dotted with colorful flowers, you'll visit the Outa-el-Hammam Square, take pictures in the cobblestone medina, and have an exterior view of the Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen.

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  • Chefchaouen

• Day 4: Chefchaouen - Fez

  Journey on to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Wander the expansive complex to marvel at the massive columns, restored buildings, and colorful mosaics. Stop for a break at the nearby holy city of Moulay Idriss, then move on to Fez for the night.

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  • Fez

• Day 5: Explore the Imperial City of Fez

  Passing through the iconic Blue Gate, enter the medieval-style Medina for guided sightseeing. Following a local guide, you'll check out the highlights with ease. Climb to a rooftop to overlook the panoramic view of the Chouara Tannery, step into the Al-Attarine Madrasa to enjoy its stunning tile patterns, and get lost in the maze-like streets and alleys of the Souk Nejjarine and Mellah (old Jewish Quarter).

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  • Fez

• Day 6: Fez - Erfoud - Merzouga

  Head into the Sahara Desert through a 7-hour drive with the changing landscape of the Middle Atlas along the way.

  Upon arrival at Erfoud, take a 4x4 vehicle to your camp inside the desert. Then, have fun with a camel ride, try sandboarding, and take in the breathtaking view of the golden sands at sunset. As the night falls, sitting around the campfire with traditional Berber music, soak up the starry desert.

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  • Merzouga

• Day 7: Merzouga - Erfoud - Ouarzazate

  Rise early to take in the breathtaking desert sunrise as you wish. After breakfast, ride a 4x4 back to Erfoud, where you'll change into the private vehicle for Ouarzazate. En route, the Todra Gorge will take up a lot of memory on your camera and the oasis of Skoura is excellent for a break. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and have a good rest.

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  • Ouarzazate

• Day 8: Ouarzazate - Marrakech, Visit Ait Ben Haddou

  After breakfast, set off for UNESCO Ait Ben Haddou, which seems frozen in the days of the 11^th century. You will enjoy the great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and find some scenes that have been shot in the movie, like Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and One Night with the King. Continue north to visit the Kasbah Telouet for the abandoned Palace of Glaoui.

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  • Marrakech

• Day 9: Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech

  Escape from the crowded city into the quaint High Atlas Mountains today. Once arrive in Imlil, meet your mountain guide and get fascinating glimpses of culture as well as the authentic lifestyle of Berber villages while walking and mule-trekking around the valley. Those who can't walk long distances can go uphill and have a tea break at the fascinating Kasbah du Toubkal.

  When the tour ends, return to Marrakech for some rest.

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  • Marrakech

• Day 10: Marrakech City Highlights

  Explore the highlights of Marrakech on a 4-hour guided tour. Take an exterior view of the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret dominates the skyline of the city. Continue with the 19th-century El-Bahia Palace exquisitely decorated with paintings and mosaics. Visit the Saadian Tombs and enjoy a natural break inside the charming Jardin Majorelle Garden.

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  • Marrakech

• Day 11: Marrakech - Essaouira

  Leave Marrakech behind for Essaouira, a charming and vibrant seaside town on the west coast of Morocco facing the Atlantic Ocean.

  Arrive about 2.5 hours later and take the rest of the day free at leisure. You can browse colorful handmade crafts in its souks and then kill time in a café on the corner of a street.

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  • Essaouira

• Day 12: Essaouira, Day at Leisure

  Today is free for you to explore on your own. Take in the medieval ambiance at the fortified ramparts of the old Medina, or enjoy the sandy coastline on foot or by horse.

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  • Essaouira

• Day 13: Essaouira, Day at Leisure

  It's another day at your disposal.

  The Fishing Port in Essaouira is a place you won't miss. Besides viewing the fishers making business and the iconic blue boats at the port, you can taste the fresh seafood or buy souvenirs from the lively stands along the way to the port.

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  • Essaouira

• Day 14: Essaouira - Casablanca

  Check out of the hotel and take a road journey back to Casablanca.

  Arrive about 4.5 hours later, followed by an exterior view of the Hassan Ⅱ Mosque. Visit the Museum of Judaism later. You'll gain an insight into Jewish history and life in Morocco through the exhibits, including paintings, costumes, jewelry, and historic documents.

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  • Casablanca

• Day 15: Casablanca, Departure

  Your Morocco tour comes to an end today. Enjoy some free time until heading to the airport by private transfer. Board your homebound flight with wonderful memories.

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